Where to celebrate Songkran in Thailand and beyond

The spirited New Year celebration of Songkran transforms the simple act of being sprayed with water and soaked by a stranger into a sacred blessing. Yet the festival’s spirit stretches beyond Thai New Year. Across Cambodia, Vietnam, India and the Chinese Mainland, communities honour the season and engage in playful water fights and vibrant parades. Traditions are rooted in centuries-old temple rituals and spiritual practices, each interpreting the Buddhist festival in its own meaningful and culturally distinct ways. 

What is Songkran? 

While some cities have transformed the occasion into boisterous street parties that are centred around water fights and general festivities, traditional Songkran Thai New Year celebrations carry a deeper, more spiritual significance. 

Cultures across South and South East Asia celebrate this Theravada Buddhist festival, with roots in ancient Hindu traditions. Its name takes after the Sanskrit word for “to move” or “to pass into” – in this case, referring to the sun’s transition into a new year.  

How to celebrate Songkran 

Unlike Chinese New Year or Gregorian New Year – which is celebrated across the world on 1 January – Songkran is typically observed from 13-15 April, with festivities lasting three days. Traditionally, the first two days are dedicated to cleaning the home, preparing food to offer monks, visiting temples and pouring water over Buddha statues to make merit. The next day is when neighbourhoods come together to splash the town – and its people – in water, symbolising purification, the washing away of bad luck, and the invitation of good fortune and prosperity. 

On the final day, families come together, with younger members respectfully pouring aromatic water over their elders’ hands to show humility and strengthen the bond between generations. In return, the elders offer advice and guidance. 

Where to celebrate Songkran 

Whether you're seeking the electric energy of an urban Songkran celebration or prefer to immerse yourself in the unique customs of temple rituals, discover cities across Asia that make this water festival an unforgettable experience. If you’re travelling to Bangkok or Phuket, stay close to the action and book your holiday with our top hotel offers that will make your stay even more memorable. 

Bangkok, Thailand 

Bangkok is known for its massive urban street parties and water fights along Khao San Road and Silom Road. Whether you’re on foot, on bike or in a car, there’s little chance of staying dry as water battles take place from morning till night. Typically, celebrations kick off with the S2O Music Festival – held on 11-13 April this year.  

Phuket, Thailand 

Thailand’s largest island bursts with energy and beach-side parties during Songkran. From Patong Beach to Bangla Road, local residents and party goers come together, geared with water guns and ready to join in the fun. For a more spiritual experience, visit Wat Chalong or Wat Mongkol Nimit for the Song Nam Phra temple ritual and merit-making. Then, wander through Phuket Old Town to sample festive delicacies and catch cultural performances. 

Da Nang, Vietnam 

While Vietnam traditionally follows the lunar calendar, coastal cities like Da Nang have embraced the Songkran spirit of renewal. Each year, the city hosts large-scale Songkran water festivals complete with water balloon battles and beach raves – with designated safe zones for all ages. Held from 10.00am to 6.00pm on 11 April at East Sea Park (Vo Nguyen Giap Street) near the popular My Khe Beach.  

Kunming, Chinese Mainland 

In Yunnan province, the occasion is known as the water-splashing festival. Celebrated by the Dai ethnic community, families spend several days to prepare for the festivities. Starting with spring cleaning and food preparations to offer to monks during temple visits. In Kunming, communities come together at the Yunnan Nationalities by Dianchi Lake. This idyllic 734-hectare ecological park comes alive in a combination of vibrant Dai traditional costumes, live music, dances, boat racing and joyful water-splashing celebration. 

Siem Reap, Cambodia 

Khmer New Year – also known as Choul Chnam Thmey – forgoes the large-scale water fighting for temple visits, family gatherings and Pithi Srang Preah, the ceremonial bathing Buddha statues with aromatic water. Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat is at the heart of the celebrations, hosting traditional performances and street-food fairs. Expect traditional games like angkunh (seed tossing) and chhoung (scarf throwing), and as the festival marks the harvest season, it’s the perfect time to try a Cambodian festive dish called nom ansom (sticky rice cakes).  

Delhi, India 

While Holi and Diwali dominate Delhi 's festival calendar, Sangken – a Songkran iteration celebrated by the capital city’s Thai-Indian community – has carved out its own niche. Organised by the Royal Thai Embassy from 27-29 March this year, the Namaste Thailand Festival 2026 showcases Thai culture –  including Muay Thai demonstrations, cultural shows, handicraft stalls, Thai delicacies and workshops. Spread across greenery underneath mandap drapes, this annual festival offers a vibrant slice of Thai New Year traditions in the heart of the city.  

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